TTC Brother vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound, with the TTC Brother and HMX Lucky representing two distinct schools of thought. The Brother, classified as a clicky switch, is celebrated for its lightweight design and a breezy actuation force of just 37g, which makes it incredibly easy to type on. Its signature crunchy sound delivers a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts cherish, while the tactile bump provides enough resistance for a pronounced typing experience without becoming overwhelming. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, a linear switch, offers a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke with its softer nylon housing, designed for those who prefer a neutral feel when typing. While the Lucky switch may not provide the same satisfying click, its lightweight build promises a deeply satisfying experience for those who enjoy fluid, rapid key presses. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you seek that distinctive tactile feedback and sound of the Brother or a sleek, linear flow with the Lucky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Lucky, we find that they differ significantly in their top housings, which ultimately affects the sound profiles and tactile experiences they offer. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material’s clarity allows for enhanced resonance, which is particularly beneficial when integrating RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate lets light shine through vividly. In contrast, the HMX Lucky opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a fuller, deeper sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a similarity between the two that influences their overall sound and feel. As both the Brother and the Lucky feature the same nylon material for the bottom housing, they share a common characteristic of generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs acoustic vibrations better, providing a more muted and rounded sound when a key is pressed down. In both cases, the bottom housing's material plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, establishing a baseline for tactile feedback regardless of the differences present in their respective top housings.
Ultimately, these contrasting materials highlight how the combination of stiff and translucent polycarbonate on the Brother's top housing will yield a clearer, sharper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Lucky will produce a deeper, fuller audio experience. The integration of the nylon bottom in both switches serves to level the playing field slightly, allowing users to experience a pronounced depth and fullness in sound. Therefore, while the switches produce different auditory profiles due to their unique top housing materials, they result in similar tactile experiences thanks to their shared nylon bottom housings, which enhances the overall sound and feedback mechanics of each typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 37 grams, meaning users will experience a similar level of effort when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly, with the HMX Lucky linear switch having a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the TTC Brother's bottom out force is unavailable. This means that while the actuation experience is consistent between the two, the HMX Lucky switch requires a heavier force to fully press down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, the TTC Brother switch can be considered lighter overall, which may be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, whereas the HMX Lucky switch's heavier feel may attract users seeking a more robust tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the difference is noticeable. The Brother switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lucky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the TTC Brother the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times typical of gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch, with its 3.8 mm travel, offers a more pronounced feedback and may feel more satisfying to users who enjoy a deeper press, although it could be perceived as slightly less responsive for rapid typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference—opting for the TTC Brother for a snappier experience or the HMX Lucky for a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch truly shines with its crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This auditory feedback is a defining characteristic for those who appreciate clicky switches, delivering every keystroke with a satisfying and unmistakable clarity. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch lacks detailed sound descriptions, making its auditory experience less defined and leaving potential users to wonder how it compares to the lively and engaging sound of the Brother switch. However, sound can vary depending on additional factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice, so there's a potential for a unique auditory experience with the Lucky.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother offers an easy-to-press mechanism that requires just 37g of actuation force, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. It features a stepped tactile bump, providing a distinct yet not overwhelming feedback during key presses, which adds to its overall charm. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch does not have specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving users without a clear understanding of its tactile or resistance characteristics. Given that, it's hard to compare directly with the Brother's well-defined feel, though both types seem aimed at providing ease of use and a satisfying experience.
In summary, while the TTC Brother clicky switch excels with its crunchy sound and engaging tactile feel, the HMX Lucky linear switch presents an unknown auditory experience alongside unspecified tactile feedback. If you appreciate clear auditory feedback and a defined tactile sensation, the Brother is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, the Lucky's appeal lies in its simplicity and lightweight feel—though it may not match the auditory pleasures that come with a clicky switch. Ultimately, both switches have their unique attributes, allowing aficionados to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch will hinge on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you find joy in the auditory experience and tactile feedback while typing, the TTC Brother's crunchy sound and easy-to-press nature make it ideal for you. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of personality in their keyboard — the satisfying click and distinct tactile bump can enhance your overall experience, especially during intense gaming sessions or while typing up long documents. However, if you prefer a typing experience that is more subdued, smooth, and focused, then the HMX Lucky linear switch may be the better option. Its lighter actuation force and neutral feel cater to those who favor a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke, making it suitable for long typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are key. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to whether you relish a dynamic clicky experience or prefer a gentle, linear glide.
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